Freestyle Libre - Unboxing and Startup Tutorial

The Freestyle Libre is currently the most affordable Continuous Glucose Monitoring system available. In this video, PA David walks you through what you'll find when opening the box and how to apply the sensor for the first time.

[@1973inoue]

Hi there. I'm a new Diabetes Nurse Practitioner. Your video is very informative and enjoyable. Thank you so much for making these educational videos.

[@diannmackey6348]

Felt overwhelmed when I first got my Libre 2. So many books to look at but this tutorial was just what I needed. Thankso much. much.

[@alwaysknewtowearitwellfanc3650]

I can't even see the print on these books. A total waste of paper.

[@2011mendo]

Thank you for speaking, clear & slow. Other guys out there that I have watched, I swear they are automobile disclaimer folks for their day job! Speak faster than a Jamaican on a,,, sugar high"... Now, all I have to do is findyoutalking about the Libre 3.. this is 2024 now, not 2021... but I followed this vlog because of you, thanks...

[@davidpiersall1727]

Hi Dr. I've been type 2 diabetic for about 10 years and thought I had my A1C under control as I got it down to 5.5. Thanks to covid and going through a divorce recently I hadn't visited my Dr in a few years. Had a recent checkup and my labs showed my A1C had jumped to 14.4. As part of my treatment plan my Dr prescribed me getting the freestyle 14 day libre which brought me to your videos. I've been using it for almost 2 weeks and love the convenience and tracking of my blood sugars. It is so motivating to be able to see the results of exercise on my numbers. Subscibed to your channel and am learning a lot and feel empowered to take control of my diabetes. Thank you and keep the videos coming.

[@tiffanychappell5780]

Where does the senor go into or under your skin

[@tiffanychappell5780]

Is it a chip

[@vvalkernorm]

You were so informative. Thank you a million. I was afraid to install it on myself, but after watching your video explaining how to do it. I built up my courage and doing it, but I was so happy I did not feel any needle prick. My fingers will be now as happy too😅

[@Portia620]

This is the BEST KZbin show I have found on hypoglycemia! Thanks as I’m undiagnosed and non diabetic

[@salqubeq5203]

This video was super helpful & most detailed with clear steps. Really helped me put this on & get past my nervousness of messing it up. Thanks so much & God bless you for this clear education. Cheers

[@jhubar]

Just purchased the Libre 2 Sensors and they do now work with Android phones. Suggest you upgrade this tutorial. Although it is currently out of date, the overall presentation was excellent👍

[@jameshenton164]

I like it, this is my first time I will see down the road and see how it goes.

[@luzcampos1823]

Thank you Dr David ,I went thru your video and now I feel better on discussing this with patients that have been going to our clinic for us to place it to them.

[@Colombian1959]

I have never used this before. I had a Dexcom and absolutely loved it! Unfortunately, my new doctor doesn't deal with Dexcom and has asked me to switch to a Freestyle. I loved my Dexcom because all I had to do was look at my iPhone and my numbers were right there. I don't know how I am going to like this, but that's why I'm here so I can learn what I can. Thank you so much for making this video as it really helps someone like me.

[@sharonmatheson5948]

I am vision impaired 9AMD) and I found this ever so helpful. The book and website are just too difficult for me but your instructions were so clear. Thank you! For example, I didn't know there was only one sensor in a sensor pack. I am surprised at the amount of plastic waste and I hope I can find some recycle information.

[@kelliejones-haynes628]

You were extremely helpful and informative! The pharmacy gave me a 14 day Sensor with a Libre 2 reader in error. The reader was blue and should have been black, just as you explained. I was happy to know that I was able to use my phone as the reader. Thank you soooo much! I will be returning that reader to the pharmacy for the correct one, the black one. Thanks again.

[@rayquackenbush4609]

I agree with with the last Comment, yes, the instruction book was crazy long, and I went to a local pharmacy, and they also showed me how to set it up. I have the Libre 2 model and works with my android. I have been nervous about using it due to the idea of sticking a needle into my arm and leaving it there. It was a quick prick (hurt 100% less than the finger stick) and started using it. I am watching the video's so that I can learn as much about it as possible. Video is excellent. Will be looking forward to seeing more of them.

[@bevgarvey8477]

New to Libra2 system. I really needed a constant monitor that I can do discreetly. Thanks for video. I connected to my phone. This knowkedge of where my glucose will help me lower my A1C by making better food choices. The video was excellent instruction to get started

[@stephanieperez9421]

My Libra 2 was an eye opener. I never would have believed carbs affected me as much as they do. Changing my eating and hoping to see results.

[@leorodz9587]

How you measure carbs? Or those the apps do that for you?

[@barbaragonzalez3504]

I just got the new Freestyle Libre 2. I think it will be better than the old finger-stick system. It will help me manage my sugar better. Thanks for the video. 😊❤

[@Reikozunaken]

I used the Freestyle Libre 14-Day until I got my insulin pump and had to switch to a Dexcom G6. While I like how the G6 gives live results without needing to scan it, I did like how the Libre was smaller and lasted a little longer. The Libre is also less invasive when comparing the filament size to the G6, and has only half the warm-up period. Admittedly, I ultimately like the Dexcom more, but I would happily recommend the Libre to anyone who can get one; especially since it is the more affordable option. I had one sensor that had some accuracy issues, but their customer support replaced it for me after I explained what was going on. Otherwise, I have been happy with trusting the information provided by the Libre.

[@vinayv4501]

Pls share ur contact

[@marilynrobinson4576]

I hate dexcom, had it for 2 years and always have a issue, been looking for other cgm options, this is the best so far, but I need something compadable with omnipod

[@punkinmcneal2320]

Hello Dr. Thank you for sharing this information with us. I’m a first time user of this device and I really I believe it is going to be a great experience. Once I watched your videos I felt more comfortable applying it. Again thank you so kindly !❤

[@egradisher5235]

Thanks a bunch.

[@staceymonahamilton4435]

Thanks David! Many blessings to you and your family!

[@AmyNye-z7o]

I am sooo psyched about using this system & the app!! 😎 Once I was actually given a prescription for it a number of years ago, I unfortunately (just like when I first freaked out about using insulin 😨) but I eventually had to give it a go & now I'm doing so with my FreeStyle Libre 14-day and I do believe that I will come to love the whole "kit-n-kaboodle," especially since with using it, I'll probably get my Diabetes under better control (possibly even going to just diet & exercise alone)!! If you've got to use it...don't do like I did, don't wait!! 😉

[@antoinetteblair4]

Absolutely love your channel! I love the way you explain things. Thank you so much ☺️

[@lloydsenterfitt4913]

I got my Libre 2 last month from the Choctaw Nation. I went to wearing the sensor not knowing much about it. It helped me get my blood sugar under control and gave me an understanding of what foods I needed to stay away from. One night the monitor sounded an alarm that my glucose was dropping so I ate a small, sandwich. Thirty minutes later it went of again so I ate a chocolate bar, but it went off again and showed it was below 50, yet I felt okay. It sounded the alarm and said the sensor had malfunctioned and to remove and replace it. I then got my old faithful tester out and pricked a finger. My blood sudar was 290 and rising. Not good, but I learned to not rely just on the libre 2. I have no problems since.

[@lillianrhodes3959]

I really felt very comfortable listening to you and following your directions, my problem sometimes is getting the cap off the sensor. It’s so hard and I’m not a weak person but almost as like I’m gonna break it. I don’t know if I should do this or not, but I got a little thin knife and kind of went in between the circle and cut the tape and it made it a little bit easier but I could not get it to twister before doing his particular procedure.

[@virginiaballiett2379]

I am having trouble getting mine apart also--it won't come loose for me at all and when I called the toll free number they said they will send me a return box to their place of business and they will send me new ones which I'M afraid that I won't be able to open them either.

[@jeanniemcdade6585]

Your information was much clearer and informative than FreeStyle Libre 2 own video. Too many add on there's I couldn't tell the needed information from the adds

[@stevenlang9575]

Thank you for the tutorial … it’s very helpful towards the newly initiated. Thank you again.

[@Tpk1976]

Saw so many videos but THIS ONE made it so clear. THANKS!! 🙏 🙏

[@surjyanarayansahu0]

Now i found the detailed video👍Thanks Buddy 👍

[@kartikeymohan2161]

Nice video. I'm using Ambrosia's Blucon Nightrider on top of my sensor to get readings on phone and watch without scanning the sensor and to share readings with multiple caregivers remotely. my A1c is in range since I've been using it.

[@slaveteri]

i just found something else to spend money on. Thanks.

[@nanduthalange7736]

Dear David, I love your channel - I hope we’ll get some more content soon - thank you

[@sugarhighchannel]

Thanks for your kind words. I had to take some time away to work through a rough patch in my personal life, but I'm *almost* through it. I'm looking forward to resuming making new videos in the upcoming weeks.

[@karenkern2612]

This was a very helpful video. Instructions were very clear.

[@achyutdeshpande151]

Thanks for easy to understand instructions

[@tessaleroux7725]

Thank you for this info. Using this for the first time. Now I guess I must wait am hour after inserting the device.

[@joenavejas3304]

Today I received my Libre 2 box and it looked like too much reading so I was hoping to find a video to give me an overview and I came upon this video. I like what I see and I won't be apprehensive to try it. I got it because I am sick of pricking my finger every morning, but I didn't realize until your video that there is something more valuable here than what I imagined. I'm sure I'll read it here somewhere, but how long is the sensor good for before I replace it?

[@dody4126]

I just got prescribed ozempic. I watched your video on this medicine and very, very informative. But i think it is so stupid that I have been on rybelsus (a pill) my A1C was at 7.0 and went down to 5.7 this was great but I changed insurance and they don't cover rybelsus which was so easy to take, now I have to take ozempic something that is more complicated (to a point). I just thought it was so stupid to give me medicine that is more money then what I was taking. Just blowing off steam, thanks for listening and I will be watching your videos because they are very informative.

[@leorodz9587]

In how long using rybelsus did ur a1c lowered?

[@dorismccalpin2168]

Thank you so much for the tutorial I learned about the 14 day libre censor .

[@margaretandruchow9323]

I am hoping to get the 14 day Libre! I know I will have to pay since not on insulin; however, it is a wonderful tool to gaining better management of glucose. TY! Very helpfu!

[@RBharadia]

Ha ha! This is NOT a Salad Dressing! 🤣😂🤣! You are too cute! Thanks for the lovely video!

[@HenryBehgam]

great job of explaining the startup process.

[@antoinetteblair4]

Could you do a video on how to give corrections properly and also how to know your carb ratio? Thank you so much!

[@JosephWilson-gc9uw]

Thank you for the excellent video. I am a new user.All my questions were answered clearly. I have subscribed to your channel.

[@comoelcoqui1]

I Like your video and I already did all that you show but I have Free Stile 2 and it allowed me to use my iPhone. THNKX.

[@thebible3]

do have any more current more up to date videos? But this one was very helpful, I am waiting for my tester to arrive

[@janhp1]

It is very helpful, considering buy this for my mom

[@dianneroy-o2l]

i had such a hard time unscruying the adaptor---nowhere does it say i have to take that little piece off around the adapter but after i remove it everything went well-very good vedeo

[@edwisemusician]

Where is the 2nd video you mention toward the beginning of this one? This was very helpful, thanks!

[@fred6278]

Excellent tutorial simple and. Complete

[@KennyGross-g5w]

Great video very user friendly!

[@Portia620]

I think this is great for hypoglycemia and great to know what direction sugar is going before bed!!!!! I needed up eating at 3:00am and I’m getting sick of it! I think this makes stuff easier plus it helps Dr. see the trends of what’s going on when you eat with a nutritionist I think it’s an amazing tool

[@RBGreenBee]

Thank you for the video. Your explanations and instructions are very easy to understand. I just subscribed to your channel. Hoping to learn more from you 😊

[@timsatchell1607]

Yess thanks from Mrs shar satchell 💗💗 blessings 🎉😂❤

[@theresachunko9671]

This was so helpful thank you one question can you get your arm wet in the shower

[@traceymayo1583]

I have been using the Freestyle Libre for four months now. i was wondering if I taking magnesium tables would affect my readings. i have heard it can help with your sleep and making me feel less tired during the day.

[@arnettereynolds1229]

Thank you so much… I start mine next week and I was scared because I thought that the needle stayed in the whole 14 days

[@nutritionistrubinabaxi]

thanks it was a really helpful video about installation and how to check.

[@WadePapke]

Very grateful explanation new to libre

[@unsinkable4you]

I have been a diabetic for 20+ years. I have always controlled my sugar with diet and & exercise. However, I have had increased illness in the last year. I have allowed it to affect my eating habits and my exercise routine. My A1C went to 5.8 while on Keto prior to COVID. Since then I have been struggling to keep my sugar down. My last A1C was 7.7 thus now on censor. I hope it helps be regain control. The video was very helpful and now I know what to expect. My fear is my problem with trying to eat correctly and to stop craving sweets. I am told I am not eating enough for the exercise I do. However as I have aged my appetite has dropped significantly. Do you think the SUGAR HIGH PROGRAM would help me?

[@Rafaela20242]

Thank you! I thought the needle stayed inside! 😂 thank you ❤

[@andreamcdevitt1003]

I am getting a libre plus 3 sensor today. I have a question. If you have to hold your phone over the sensor to scan for blood sugar how does the system read your sugar at night ? As obviously you wouldn't be scanning while sleeping lol

[@BrendaHeld]

GREAT video!

[@KingCarlos1215]

Thank You Dr. Awesome video

[@rebeccawegener3743]

I think now that I have seen this I need one.

[@cartercarter6126]

Thanks, really appreciate your guidance. I am a new user.... Carter Canada

[@beatsarebroken]

I wonder if David got burnt out on making YT content? Shame, since this is such a helpful channel. Would love to know his take on these new medicines coming to market.

[@sugarhighchannel]

New videos coming soon. Had to get through some stuff in my personal life, but new content is lining up. 🙂

[@chialvchen8737]

I started use Libre 2 since last December, Difficult to enter units, cabs ….. info. So I change back to libre 14. Wait for libre 3 with Bluetooth interface.

[@sugarhighchannel]

Libre 3 looks great!! I’ll be posting a video on that as soon as it becomes available

[@ramitrawal2343]

Greetings from Malaysia Doctor. Amazing work, your video on GLP medication came up as "algorithm blessing" yesterday precisely at a time when I was super low spirited on my diabetic situation primarily because of lack of good guidance. Here i am, a day later having watched all of your amazing 34 videos and with an absolute clear head on knowing the medication i take and having kicked valetudinarianism out of my head. I am certain that we'll have some great videos on varied topics related to this lifestyle disorder; however, may i request you to please cover the following questions in your future videos. I'll be grateful for your consideration. 1 - Is Diabetes Reversible or at least improvable to a point? 2 - Can you please cover on Diabetic Retinopathy and how does GLP medications like Victoza or Ozempic improve/affect this condition? 3 - Would love your simplified explanation for the medication "dapagliflozin".

[@JenniferClark24]

I've found the censors don't stick well, so I put a bit of Tegaderm over it and it works well. No issues with the reader (or my phone) reading my glucose even with the Tegaderm over it.

[@bethpete8005]

First time Diabetic no insulin yet. Hope this Freestyle Libre 2-14 day helps me learn how to control my blood sugars so don’t need insulin. Your video help me a lot understanding the reader. My question is can you use the reader & iphone on same sensor? Also how often does the reader need charging. It came on starting first time now waiting the 60 mins. So should I plug in to charge ?

[@cindyalt5868]

I just received a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at the end of April and received my Freestyle Libre 2 this past week. The first day the alert went off and I scanned my sensor 59 . . . did a blood test and it was 84. I've had 6 low glucose alerts and now the reading is much higher than the blood test. It's never the same . . . why and can I trust the readings?

[@AamirKhan-ky5be]

How long is the adhesive device last for before it’s replaced. What’s usual cost in Canada

[@shahara4938]

First, thank you for awesome video. Just asking for opinions here. My son is type 1, eight years old, and on the spectrum. What other areas work the best other than the back of the arm? I am getting too many false readings or malfunctioning devices.

[@jasondossantos9775]

I've used the freestyle library 2 and now I'm on the library 3 thet are both 14 day and both work with my cell what I didn't know os it has to go on the back of the arm I've always done the front what's the difference?

[@lakshmidayakn7837]

Thank you, it is really helpful

[@los7036]

Hey just want to say thanks for your videos. I find them really helpful. I do have a question. I heard using cbd helps with blood sugar control. Is this correct?

[@alisaphillips9233]

Do you have a video showing how to attach the reader to your computer to download your results?

[@marysnipes9007]

❤I Love demonstration it look easy I think it is easy

[@randybutler4772]

Thank you for sharing.👍

[@ThomasCartwright-n6b]

I am getting the freestyle libra 2 and the monitor. But I want to used my iPhone. I am waiting on Walgreens where I live.. I take a lot of baths. I was told by my Dr to put in on my right arm. Because I soak my left shoulder a lot do to a bad roller cuff in a car wreck. I am afraid of getting it wet. I am in my 70”s I don’t understand all of this. Like my phone . I am confused on all of this. I take ozimpic, mattform or something like that can’t spell to good. Thanks for your input

[@ThomasCartwright-n6b]

First try ur phone that’s what I did

[@Browncutiepie]

Excellent video.

[@LuisGutierrez-ks2uh]

Awesome video thank you sir 🙏

[@davidlouis2838]

Is there anything I can or cannot do while wearing the sensor exercise wise shower, wise swimming, etc.?

[@lonatallant4332]

I think this will help me alot!

[@jennifermills7449]

So if ya dont use an iphone or android no need to put the sensor in the reader is just a basic monitor ya finger stick use test strips and no need for the sensor or does it sync up im confused ; i have free style libre 3

[@SuyashMauryaSuyash]

What happens after 14 days? does the sensor dies, can it be recharged or reused by any means or it is waste after 14 days and I need to buy a different sensor ? Please reply ASAP its very urgent

[@alwaysknewtowearitwellfanc3650]

You take the sensor off and apply a new one. I got 6 sensors from my insurance.

[@alwaysknewtowearitwellfanc3650]

I didn't see anyone reply to you, as they hardly ever do here. Why make a video if they won't ANSWER people? Irks me. Hope this helps.

[@madjalark5298]

I'm having a hard time getting the cover on the housing of round disc off. Pls help me with this. Thank you!!

[@SummerHawaii582]

Just for the money ​@@alwaysknewtowearitwellfanc3650

[@AnneGoggansQHHT]

@@alwaysknewtowearitwellfanc3650I think sometimes the notifications are hard to find

[@patriknord998]

In Norway we can only buy the 14 day sensor.

[@geetaramji2068]

So for how long is the Libre Freestyle used!?

[@amilcarteck837]

I have a question, how many of the patch comes in the little cup???

[@luvinmaks]

Question: I have Freestyle Libre 2. What is the little electrical outlet plug for? Am I supposed to plug the monitor into the wall outlet to keep it charged? I can't find any information on what I'm supposed to use the plug for.

[@faithsinternationaldelicio2774]

So what happened when I am in the shower?. Will that come out?. Or do I have to keep using the new one everyday?

[@reneehinkley4918]

You need to do a video on dexcom g6 because I haven't found your video if you have made it.

[@osaheneamankwaaopam5742]

Hi Doc. Sensors sent to me recently have a very sharp and hard needle instead of the plastic like filament. A diabetic is always afraid of wounds, is it safe to use it since Abott will not send me the regular one.

[@missyesq0]

Does showering mess with your results?

[@afrofuturismandtheblackspe2590]

Thank you for this information.

[@mariavervaet8927]

Question, my mom uses these and I open them for her, does anyone know if opening them early (like a week) is bad? Thank you in advance

[@mchugh48]

good job on the video.

[@darbiz4504]

I had an allergic skin reaction to the sensor, do you know if they will be creating a new type of sensor?

[@MaryBethPetra]

What happens if you've carried a lot of weight and lost some and now have "bat wings?" Also, I see some people use something that looks like extra circular "waterproof" clear sticker covers that go over the sensor. Do these cover stickers work and do they interfere with transmission of glucose readings?

[@mikemcmillen3195]

STILL A GREAT VIDEO.

[@christiwann736]

Hi David, I was wondering if you could answer my question in an upcoming video. I have reactive hypoglycemia and during a few of my surgeries (with anesthesia) my blood sugar has fallen way below 70. One surgery it fell to 42. Can you think of why that would happen? Thanks! Christi

[@sugarhighchannel]

With reactive hypoglycemia, what often happens is a delay in the time that the pancreas releases a burst of insulin for a meal. Certain foods can trigger this more than others. Basically what happens is you eat something and the pancreas makes enough insulin to bring the glucose back down. But then later on, the larger burst of insulin the pancreas would have made earlier during that initial glucose-drop gets released, but there’s not as much glucose around anymore. So the result is hypoglycemia, which is usually mild or moderate in severity, but can get more severe. In regard to surgery, usually people are fasting during surgery and if your pancreas released extra insulin in response to the stress of surgery, that could explain it. Alternatively, it could have been that it didn’t release enough glucagon to keep the glucose up at normal. It’s impossible to know in retrospect exactly what happened, but those are two possible explanations. Either way, surgery places significant stresses on the body, which is why we reserve it for times when the benefits outweigh the risks.

[@christiwann736]

@@sugarhighchannel Thanks so much! I really enjoy all of your videos!

[@Portia620]

A friend just had a colonoscopy and I wonder how that is done with hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia! Yikes! 😖

[@jackshannonmusic7564]

My Libre is way off from finger prick! How do you calibrate the two??